Australia
26
Match Complete
New Zealand
4
| D. Cherry-Evans |  | 76 | ||
| L. Mitchell |  | 58 | ||
| J. Tedesco |  | 57 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 53 | ||
| D. Cook | | 52 | ||
| 33 | | C. Nicoll-Klokstad | ||
| T. Frizell | | 26 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 20 | ||
| J. Addo-Carr | | 19 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 8 |
| 4 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The new era of the Kangaroos has finally come full circle, and there are plenty of uncertainties on the road ahead as the world champions get set to take on an exciting Kiwis outfit in the Oceania Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8:10pm (AEDT).
There are plenty of storylines heading into this now traditional end of year Test between the Kangaroos and Kiwis, but none more so than the rebuild of the Kangaroos.
When Mal Meninga first took over in 2016, it was clear an era of change was about to begin, and that’s evident this evening, with Josh Papalii the only surviving member of that first team.
Instead of the superstars of that era, the Kangaroos have a new batch to call on, including the undisputed best player in the game, James Tedesco, and Cameron Munster in the halves.
The side is dripping with talent, with Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr set to form a lethal left-side combination, while Papalii leads a pack featuring David Klemmer, Jake Trbojevic, Tyson Frizell and New South Wales Blues captain Boyd Cordner into battle.
If it all clicks, it would take a mighty performance from any other side to come close to the Aussies.
And yet, New Zealand could do just that. With the emotion of Benji Marshall returning to the captaincy for the first time in seven years on the back of a phenomenal season at the Wests Tigers, and the talent of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Johnson, they are hardly write offs, even playing away from home.
They have their own storylines outside of Marshall’s captaincy as well, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Joseph Manu both earning their spots through stunning form.
It’s the forwards where New Zealand will have to be near perfect if they are going to have a say in the final outcome of this contest though.
They have a solid chance of doing that if they can get off to a good start though, with Jared Waera-Hargreaves leading the way, although the selection of Adam Blair at lock is a baffling one.
Of course, this match also is part of the newly created Oceania Cup, with the winner of this match likely to take out the inaugural top division crown.
Prediction
The Kangaroos should have a little bit too much at home in hot conditions for the Kiwis here, but with combinations still needing to build amongst the Aussies, don’t be surprised if they have to survive a scare while this game goes all the way to the wire.
Kangaroos by 6.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this Trans-Tasman from 8:10pm (AEDT), and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Game information
Kick-off: 8:10pm (AEDT)
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
TV: Live, Fox League 502 and Channel 9
Online: Live, Foxtel App, Foxtel Now, Kayo Sports, 9Now
Betting: Australia $1.35, New Zealand $3.20
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Kangaroos
1. James Tedesco 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Nick Cotric 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Papalii 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Ben Hunt 15. Payne Haas 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Wade Graham 18. Cameron Murray
Kiwis
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 4. Joseph Manu 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Brandon Smith 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 11. Briton Nikora 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Adam Blair
Interchange: 14. Jahrome Hughes 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. Kevin Proctor 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Kodi Nikorima 21. Isaiah Papali’i
Big Daddy
Guest
Not sure about timing for these tests. Players in all matches seem to be bored. Poor old frogs getting hammered and Tonga and England. Whose home match is it. I know it's an English tour but if they're not playing Australia who cares.
Steve Mauchline
Guest
Why does everyone always rave about Payne Haas he will be good but he isn't the complete player yet. The best forward on the ground was Jared Waerea Hargreaves but was a lone hand in a forward pack that just didn't go forward
Steve Mauchline
Guest
Although Australia were too good they seemed to get away with a lot more in the ruck. Why is Rugby League the only sport in the world that won't have neutral referees and yes they always have to be Australian. I know there was no bias but it just takes that perception away
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The exciting part is that none of the Manly players were injured.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I've been a big fan of Shaun Johnson and his talent but he's starting to become a bit like Darius Boyd in his attitude to his own form and motivation. Hass looks like he's become even bigger in the last few months and is the new benchmark for props. I didn't hear why Foran was not playing but he's apparently injury free and surely was a good choice to start in this team.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Miserable game, but I was just glad to see some footy. Geez this is a boring time of year.
Ian_
Roar Rookie
Pretty dull. NZ never really got into the game, and Aus didn't get out of about 3rd gear.
Have to agree.
Lets face it, Kiwis don't have the player depth to have guys like Solomona and J Bromwich missing the test. Those two alone would have made a huge difference to the Kiwis forward momentum. Even so, Johnson looks a mess, Benji be better off crying tears of joy after a win than during the anthem, and the Kiwis just looked disjointed across the park, to the coach must bear some blame as whatever his buildup was, it didn't work. Having said that, the couple intercept tries were a huge bonus to Australia and inflates it all a bit for them. They were good enough, but very beatable with a Kiwi team that gets its &^%$ together...but all's fair in love and war, so well done Australia.
Scott Pryde
Expert
He was awesome. Claim for best on ground.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
The only positive I can draw from this debacle is Payne Haas eating metres.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Cheers mate.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this afternoon and evening for our live coverage of the international triple-header here on The Roar. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. Andrew Jackson will be back at 6pm (AEDT) tomorrow for Great Britain and Tonga. Bye for now.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
If only he played for the Roosters it would spare him the expense. ;-)
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I thought it looked more like they met in the car park... it was beyond bad. Worse still listening to Hannah Hollis giving Australia massive credit for a dominant display... several Jersey Flegg sides would’ve run rings around that kiwi outfit tonight. Terrible advertisement for international rugby league
Stormy
Roar Rookie
What a disappointment!!! Seems the New Guard team have a lot more work to do. Thanks for your great call, Scott, pity about the 2nd half.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game then Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, Australia were pretty good in the first half. Not perfect, but good. A couple of intercept tries helped, but they dominated the game. Held their own early, then Payne Haas dominated off the bench and working with Damien Cook and James Tedesco, they cruised. New Zealand were in it to halftime, although their attack looked poor and rushed. The second half, however, was just abysmal. Error after error, and a poor kicking game from Shaun Johnson, left them struggling big time. Kangaroos 26 Kiwis 4
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Such a meaningful thing the Oceania Cup. Show some respect Joe!
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Innovation. A kick off the scrum for the Aussies, but Tuivasa-Sheck does come up with it. It would be fitting if New Zealand had a dropped ball to finish, but instead, Smith chips over the top, Tedesco comes up with it and well, thank heavens that's over. A huge win for the Aussies. It was a great first half, but jee that second half. Kangaroos 26 Kiwis 4